ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES ITS 2019-2020 SEASON

The Orlando Philharmonic expands concert Season to feature new concert events and experiences

American composer, singer-songwriter and pianist Gabriel Kahane

featured as 2019-2020 Composer-in-Residence

(Monday, March 11, Orlando, FL) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra announces its 2019-2020 Season today, including five concerts on the FAIRWINDS Classics Series, and a new special add-on classics concert titled Inside the Score: Symphonie Fantastique, in which Music Director Eric Jacobsen leads the audience on a guided exploration of Hector Berlioz’s infamous work of the same name. The 2019-2020 Pops Series will include five programs of two concerts each, with all performances taking place at Bob Carr Theater. The Focus Series includes five concerts that take place at The Plaza Live Theater located in The Milk District just east of Downtown Orlando. Also new to the Orlando Philharmonic Season is RESONATE at The Plaza Live, a multi-venue concert experience taking place January 15, 2020 featuring new works by today’s visionary composers alongside the music of Mozart.

This year, the Orlando Philharmonic strives to bring people together with diverse and cultural inclusivity through the lens of the American Virtuoso. Returning for his fifth season with the OPO, Music Director Eric Jacobsen will conduct concerts on each of the Orchestra’s three main Series. Soloists headlining the FAIRWINDS Classics Series include a Season-opening performance by acclaimed saxophonist Branford Marsalis, and Composer-in-Residence Gabriel Kahane brings his work Emergency Shelter Intake Form to the Bob Carr Theater stage featuring a choir of members from the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.

The Orlando Philharmonic is excited to feature Gabriel Kahane as the Composer-in-Residence for the 2019-2020 Season. Kahane’s eclectic style crosses genres between classical and folk-pop and he is often compared to Sufjan Stevens and Rufus Wainwright, both of whom he has personally collaborated with.

The 2019-2020 Pops Series, striving to break expectations and dazzle audiences, will feature diverse concert experiences including Rock ‘n Roll, Cuban rhythms, the music of Aretha Franklin, holiday family favorites, and Broadway standards! The Pops Series begins with a 50th Anniversary tribute to Woodstock featuring Jeans ‘n Classics bringing to life the sounds of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Santana, Janis Joplin, The Who, and more. Closing the Series in April, back by popular demand, Cirque de la Symphonie returns to the Bob Carr Theater stage featuring aerialists and acrobats on stage set to the sounds of your favorite Broadway tunes.

Subscription renewals for current subscribers begin this month and new subscriptions for the 2019-2020 Season will go on-sale in May. For more information, please contact the Box Office at 407.770.0071 or Boxoffice@orlandophil.org.

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra 2019-2020 Season

FAIRWINDS Classics Series

Bob Carr Theater

Opening Night with Branford and Boléro

Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 8 p.m.

Eric Jacobsen, conductor

Branford Marsalis, alto saxophone

Program

STRAUSS – Don Juan

IBERT – Concertino da camera for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra

CLYNE – Masquerade

RAVEL – Boléro

The Philharmonic opens the season with Richard Strauss’ revolutionary tone poem, Don Juan, a tour de force masterpiece that established Strauss’ status as a composer. America’s most acclaimed saxophonist, Branford Marsalis, joins the Philharmonic with Ibert’s Concertino da camera for alto saxophone and Music Director Eric Jacobsen leads the orchestra in Ravel’s bold and powerful Boléro.

One of America’s most sought after and diverse artists, Rei Hotoda, leads your Orlando Philharmonic in the most iconic piece in all of classical music, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. The four-note opening motif, influencing everything from popular culture to composers that followed Beethoven, is popularly known as the “Symphony of Destiny.” Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois will dazzle the audience performing Barber’s Violin Concerto.

Two virtuoso soloists take the stage; Orlando Philharmonic Principal Flute Colleen Blagov performing the spirited and beautiful Vivaldi Concerto for Flute, and guest Jeremy Kittel premiering his fiery and powerful Fiddle Concerto with themes from the American Civil and Revolutionary Wars. The evening comes to a fantastic close with Shostakovich’s Sixth Symphony, in which Shostakovich sought to capture the moods of “spring, joy, and youth.”

An evening of all American composers featuring music deeply rooted in the culture that binds us all together. Influenced by the spirit and sounds of jazz, Gershwin’sRhapsody in Blue, has enchanted audiences since it’s premiere in 1924. Composer-in-Residence Gabriel Kahane’s Emergency Shelter Intake Form will feature Alicia Hall Moran, who made her Broadway debut in Porgy and Bess, starring as Bess, and a choir of members from the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. Kahane’s piece shines an essential light on our society through music that will inspire, bring hope, and stir the soul.

Performed thirty years to the date of the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope, Eric Whitacre’sDeep Field is accompanied by a high-definition film created from some of the most awe-inspiring images of the universe. Celebrating 27 years of Orlando Philharmonic concerts at Bob Carr Theater, the Season concludes with Tchaikovsky’s triumphant Symphony No. 5.

Classics Special

In a special presentation, the Orlando Philharmonic will offer a fresh and illuminating musical experience as our Season continues to expand.

Spend the first half of the program with Music Director Eric Jacobsen as he and the Orchestra explore the score and music of Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, a work in five movements chronicling one artist’s dream-like journey through unrequited love and beyond. Complete with music examples, visual aids, and a look at the 150th Anniversary of Berlioz and his life, with a dramatic performance of the full work by your Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

This is a special add-on event to the FAIRWINDS Classics Series. Single tickets will also be available for this event starting in August.

Pops Series

Bob Carr Theater

Woodstock 50th Anniversary

with Jeans ‘n Classics

Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 2 & 8 p.m.

Eric Jacobsen, conductor

Jeans ‘n Classics, band & vocals

Experience the festival phenomenon that changed music forever. The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Jeans ‘n Classics join forces to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock – three days of peace and music – remembering legends like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Santana, Janis Joplin, The Who, and so many more.

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra returns to celebrate the sounds of the season in Central Florida’s festive holiday concert tradition. Audience favorite, Albert George Schram leads a musical celebration like no other featuring the Holiday Singers and Opera Orlando Youth Chorus, in familiar classics and new surprises. The perfect way for family and friends to begin the holiday season together!

A Tribute to the Queen of Soul, this program features symphony favorite Capathia Jenkins – returning after the success of “A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald” – and three-time Grammy Award nominee Ryan Shaw performing such iconic hits as Respect, Think, A Natural Woman, Chain of Fools, Amazing Grace, and many others.

Hailed as a leading interpreter of Classical Spanish Song by NBC Latino and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, star Soprano Camille Zamora and the Mambo Kings present a sultry, passionate, and exciting evening of Latin Music from Spain and the island of Cuba. This hot evening of music includes orchestral and vocal selections from the classical Spanish Zarzuela period combined with the exciting Afro Cuban rhythms of the Mambo Kings.

Cirque de la Symphonie returns set to the soundtrack of Broadway’s most memorable show tunes. Prepare to be dazzled as your Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is joined on stage by aerialists and acrobats, accomplishing astonishing feats of grace, beauty, and power! Featuring songs from Les Misérables, Chicago, Candide, West Side Story and more!

Focus Series at The Plaza Live

Handel & Brahms

Monday, October 21, 2019 at 7 p.m.

Eric Jacobsen, conductor

Awet Andemicael, soprano

Program

HANDEL – Prophetic Raptures & Baroque Selections

BRAHMS – Serenade No. 2 in A Major

Dedicated to Clara Schumann, Brahms’ Second Serenade is widely considered a warm up to his major symphonic works, as he followed in Beethoven’s footsteps. The fourth movement is arguably one of Brahms’ finest creations and the final fifth movement, brilliant in its own right, is the only movement to feature a lively piccolo. Soprano Awet Andemicael returns to the stage to sing a collection of Handel Baroque Selections, uniquely programmed for Orlando, that explore the 18th Century European musical depiction of African characters.

Explore the world and music of South America as in demand soloist and recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant, Bridget Kibbey, performs a World Premiere harp concerto by Brazilian composer João Luiz Rezende, full of different colors and virtuosic possibilities for the harp. The evening features Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois on Ravel’s Tzigane, derived from the European term for ‘gypsy’, a must for music-lovers!

The famous Bach Brandenburg Concerti were presented in 1721 to Margrave Christian Ludwig and are widely regarded to be among the greatest Baroque compositions, beautifully capturing the pure sounds and essence of the time. An intimate concert evening lead by your Orlando Philharmonic musicians in small ensembles, performing concerti and works that will feature their many talents, artistic virtuosity, and dazzle your musical senses!

In an evening celebrating dance and the music of Mozart, Principal Clarinet Nikolay Blagov will perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s restorative Concerto for Clarinet. The only solo work for clarinet composed by Mozart, the Concerto for Clarinet will bring to mind elegance, purity, and reflection, culminating in a joyous dance for the entire orchestra. The evening concludes with the fiery Symphony No. 25, rumored to have been composed by a 17 year-old Mozart in just two days.

The Jazz Professors join the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra for a swingin’ good time as they pay tribute to the greatest of jazz from across the years. Celebrating the 120th Anniversary of Duke Ellington and the legacy of jazz. Featuring tunes like “Black and Tan Fantasy,”“Prelude to a Kiss,” “Take the A Train,” “In a Sentimental Mood,” and more!

RESONATE at The Plaza Live

January 12-22, 2020

Experience Resonate, a new musical offering from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Hear classical music in new and exciting formats that break the barrier between the audience and the musician. With events in the Central Florida community and at The Plaza Live, we look forward to presenting this new experience in January of 2020.

The Plaza Live Events – At Resonate you will hear the music of Mozart, paired with works by visionary composers of today. The evening will begin in the larger Main Hall at The Plaza Live with approximately 90 minutes of music, featuring musicians from the Orlando Philharmonic performing Mozart symphonies on a program with new and exciting works. On stage each evening will be a special guest artist or composer, featuring their original works and dazzling the audience with new artistic experiences. Following the main hall event, there will be a short break for cocktails in the lobby. Followed by an intimate concert experience, limited to 200 guests, in The Rehearsal Room at The Plaza Live. This intimate concert experience will be approximately 1 hour and feature our guest artists on new works or solo pieces all perfect for a late evening nightcap. Resonate will be led by Music Director Eric Jacobsen in this original programming experience for Orlando!

Tickets will be sold as a package to both events in the evening or single tickets to each concert.

All events at The Plaza Live 7-8 p.m. in Main Hall, Cocktail Hour, 9-10:15 p.m in The Rehearsal Hall

Symphony Storytime at The Plaza Live

Enjoy live music for young children, ages three to seven by Philharmonic musicians, along with narration and beautiful hand-drawn illustrations that bring favorite children’s classics to life.

Pre-concert activities will be held 1-hour prior to all performances. A Toddler Zone for children up to the age of two is also available. These events will now be ticketed and a physical ticket will be required for entrance into performances.

The Cat in the Hat

Saturday, September 14th, 2019 at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Pre-concert activities at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

The trouble-making Cat in the Hat arrives at the home of bored young Sally and her brother Conrad while their mother is out. The family’s pet fish objects to the Cat’s presence, but that doesn’t stop the hat-wearing giant feline from trying to have fun, no matter how much destruction is left in his wake.

Experience the Dr. Seuss’ classic tale of “Cat in the Hat,” in a brand new way through exciting narration accompanied by violin, cello, and piano from your Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Music by Jonathan Keren.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Saturday, December 7th, 2019 at 11 a.m.

Sunday, December 8th, 2019 at 3 p.m. 2019

Pre-concert activities at 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

A classic holiday tale featuring one of the most iconic poems of all time returns this holiday season, presented by musicians from the brass and percussion families. Hang your stockings with care, and we can’t wait to see you there!

Hansel & Gretel

Saturday, February 15th, 2020 at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Pre-concert activities at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s woodwind quintet is delighted to present the iconic story of Hansel and Gretel. Two curious children suddenly find themselves lost in the woods when their paths cross with a mysterious witch. Follow the children on their journey and the many lessons they learn along the way in this classic German fairy tale.

Little Red Riding Hood

Saturday, May 9th, 2020 at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Pre-concert activities at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Little Red Riding Hood is among the most popular fairy tales in the world. A story about the never-ending fight between good and evil, greed and hope, and about responsibility and second chances. Featuring our friends from the Orlando Philharmonic woodwind quintet and piano on the exciting journey through the deep woods to grandmother’s house we go!

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Celebrating its 26th Season, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is led by Music Director Eric Jacobsen and comprised of accomplished musicians from around the world. The Philharmonic annually presents the FAIRWINDS Classics and Pops Series at Bob Carr Theater and its Focus Chamber Series at The Plaza Live. The mission of the Philharmonic is to enrich and inspire the diverse communities of Central Florida through the transformative power of live music, and it presents more than 170 live concerts and impacts more than 70,000 children, youth and families annually through its Young People’s Concerts, Symphony Storytime Series, Notes in Your Neighborhood program, and free outdoor community concerts. A resident company of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the Philharmonic will perform in Steinmetz Hall when it opens in 2020. Learn more at OrlandoPhil.org.